Recognised as SA’s best run municipality with a track record of 14 consecutive clean audits, Executive Mayor RW ‘Boffie’ Strydom discusses three factors behind Weskus Distrik’s performance.
1. Structure and synergy.
Weskus Distrik’s structure is no different to other district municipalities. Yet, it is the synergy between pollical vision and administrative will – built on sound and transparent engagement and advice – that has set the tone for fourteen consecutive clean audits.
Our councillors understand that the challenges and negative perceptions within the public sector present an opportunity to restore trust and create hope. We do this by delivering effective, affordable, and high-quality municipal services.
2. Political stability.
It is essential and is the cornerstone of our success. It creates continuity, trust, and enables the realisation of medium-to long term vision. Complementing this is administrative consistency, which is the ‘carry through’ of political vision. The administration arm enables the fulfilment of projects and commitments made in strategic documents such as the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). Whatever they do is done with a sense of urgency but always within the regulatory framework.
3. Are clean audits the key to good governance?
It is, in fact, the other way around. Good governance breeds clean audit. By playing an active oversight role, holding Administration accountable, and ensuring that we deliver to our mandate without cutting corners has contributed to our clean audit record.
The Auditor-General’s prescripts are very clear and purposeful. Achieving compliance requires an environment of trust, innovation within the legal framework, a culture of continuous learning, and sharing of best practices across municipalities.
“As Mayor, I fully grasp the important role that I play, together with Council, in creating an environment where our Executive Management team can innovate, strengthen their administrative processes, and lead with integrity.
“A clean audit is a significant affirmation of Weskus Distrik’s commitment to sound financial management, transparency, and good governance. It reflects the dedication of our administration team to uphold the highest standards of accountability, ensuring that public resources are managed responsibly and in the best interest of our communities.
“Having David Joubert as municipal manager, together with his excellent administration team, means that we are confident that we will deliver our Integrated Development Plan underpinned by innovation and compliance”.
RW ‘Boffie’ Strydom
Executive Mayor
Weskus Distrik.
